(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
On Thursday, the Colorado Rockies discovered that their closer, right-hander Daniel Bard, would be opening the 2023 season on the injured list.
The reason for his placement on the injured list was cited as anxiety and mental health struggles.
Sadly, when an athlete opens up about their mental health struggles, they are often criticized by others who do not understand the full scope of the situation and labeled as “soft” or “weak.”
Fortunately, as time passes, the sports world has become more enlightened about the mental health struggles of certain athletes.
On Twitter, former Rockies player Ryan Spilborghs, who was a member of the 2007 World Series team, expressed support for Bard and praised him for recognizing that he needed help.
Daniel Bard is human. I appreciate how open and honest he is about the anxiety he has been dealing with. Recognizing things aren’t right, and seeking ways to get help with mental health has been an important step for athletes. True strength by being vulnerable
— Ryan Spilborghs (@spillygoat19) March 31, 2023
Spilborghs brings up some very important points here.
While some may view it as weakness, Spilborghs paints a different picture and correctly points out that it takes courage and strength to be open and honest about things such as this.
It also shows great initiative on the part of Bard, who recognized that things weren’t right and that he needed to take a little bit of time away.
Ultimately, Bard is a competitor and wants to be at his best when pitching so that he can help the Rockies in any way possible, and as Spilborghs pointed out, he took a big step in that he sought help for his issues, which is something that more and more athletes have been doing in recent years.
It’s a big step for athletes as a whole too.
Hopefully, Bard can get the help he needs and be back on the field soon.
The post Former Rockies Player Voices Support For Daniel Bard appeared first on The Cold Wire.